LSU AgCenter names Coreil vice chancellor for Extension

Tom Merrill | Jul 31, 2001

Coreil currently is assistant director for environmental programs in the LSU AgCenter.

“Dr. Coreil brings considerable experience, enthusiasm and energy as an educator to this position,” said William B. “Bill” Richardson, LSU AgCenter chancellor. “He has spent most of his career with the Extension Service and has held a variety of jobs, including field agent and specialist. This gives him the broad-based perspective we need for this leadership role.”

Coreil will replace Jack Bagent, who will retire effective Sept. 1. Bagent has led the Extension branch of the LSU AgCenter since July 1, 1995.

“Dr. Coreil is a futuristic thinker and was a key player in a recent round of future forums we held around the state to gauge educational needs in Louisiana,” Bagent said. “He currently is playing a lead role in helping shape water policy for the state.”

Coreil’s new job also will include responsibilities in the LSU AgCenter’s research branch.

“Dr. Coreil is recognized as a national leader in environmental programs, especially water resources,” said William H. Brown, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor for research and director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station. “He will help bring about more coordination between our research and extension programs.”

Coreil started with the LSU AgCenter’s Extension service as an assistant area agent for fisheries and wildlife in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes in 1978. He was promoted through several positions, including a move to associate specialist for wetland and coastal resources in 1996. Then from 1998 to 1999, he was a wetlands conservation administrator with Burlington Resources. He returned to the Extension Service in his current position in 1999.

He has served on various boards and committees, including the Lower Mississippi Valley Initiative, a multi-state water policy task force. He has written numerous publications. Two of the most popular include “Wetlands Functions and Values in Louisiana” and “Private Lands Technical Assistance Handbook,” both available from parish LSU AgCenter Extension offices.

A native of Ville Platte, Coreil received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1976. Both his master’s degree, which he received in 1984, and his doctoral degree, which he earned in 1995, were granted by LSU.